Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin
The Sean and Tarra Ajayi Foundation has said that in its commitment to complement the laudable efforts of the Federal Government through the Ministry of Education and the Lagos State Government, in educational advancement, it has perfected arrangements to award scholarships to the top 20 secondary school students in Lagos, Nigeria.
The President and Founder of the Foundation, Sean Oluseun Ajayi, in a statement on Tuesday, said the 20 prospective beneficiaries were selected out of 40 students who participated in an essay competition.
According to him, the easy topic was: “How Education Benefits Nigerian Youth To Meet Future Goals.”
He explained that the scholarship aims to support Nigerian youths in achieving their future goals by providing financial assistance for school fees, books, and materials.
He added that the Foundation would pay an annual school fees of ₦100,000 for each of the top 20 students.
According to him, the amount would be split into ₦50,000 for each of two terms. He also said that in addition to tuition, the Foundation will provide further financial support for books and school materials.
The education enthusiast noted that the Foundation had been investing in educational advancement for the past two years.
He explained that the focus had been on assisting the less privileged while its mission is to stimulate the economy and improve the society at large.
Ajayi stated that by investing in education, the Foundation believes a crime-free society and a brighter future for Nigerian youth can be achieved, enabling them to solve national challenges.
He called on Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to take personal responsibility for Nigeria’s development. According to him, no child should go hungry or be denied access to education.
He noted that the Sean and Tarra Ajayi foundation has been remarkably consistent in impacting lives and societies in Nigeria, by renovating some schools and drilling boreholes for clean and accessible water through its good – nature.
Ajayi said: “The Foundation believes in the power of education. Education is a vital tool for reducing family problems and poverty. By investing in education, we can empower Nigerian youth to break the cycle of poverty and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
“The Foundation currently supports 20 schools and 20 children, with plans to expand across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nigeria, as well as across Africa. Its goal is to empower Nigerian youth to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.”
A member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, Queen Mother, Chief, Amb. Amina Temitope Ajayi, popularly known as “Mama Diaspora” appealed to Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute to the development of Nigeria by supporting the educational development and welfare of Nigerian youths.
The philanthropist noted that quality education is the bedrock of societal development.
While appreciating the efforts of the FG and Lagos State Government in education growth, she called on the public sector, wealthy individuals, other philanthropists as well as the Diasporans to invest more in the advancement of education of pupils and students in Nigeria.
She particularly lauded the efforts of the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed, in his policies and efforts to advance education, and the welfare of Nigerians.
She added that through the ‘Renewed Hope Initiative, President Tinubu has rekindled hope in and advanced the welfare of Nigerians
She said: “It takes a village to raise a child. I want all my people in the diaspora to return to their alma maters and give back to their communities for the development of Nigeria and Nigerians.
“There is goodness in helping people. This is a revolution. Let history remember us that once upon a time, we gave back to our communities part of the blessings God bestowed on us.
“I am appealing to Diaspora families all over the world to contribute meaningfully for the well-being of alma mater and Nigeria.”
